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| Roldan’s Howl’s Moving Castle |
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| Sumbe as a Rathalos Blademaster |
ACCOUNTANT Mary Grace Roldan and teacher Stephanie Sumbe will be representing the country in the upcoming Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) cosplay competition—recognized as one of Asia’s biggest cosplay events.
They two earned the right after winning the Hero Face Off Cosplay Competition organized by Hero TV.
Sumbe, a rising star in the local cosplay circuit enthralled everyone in the Hero Face Off event with her portrayal of a Rathalos Female Blademaster. The grade two teacher said she had to take a leave of absence from her teaching duties to prepare for the competition. She, however, promised to get back to her pupils and come back even more passionate for both cosplaying and her job.
Accounting graduate, Roldan, does the same, as she co-makes the final retouches to her artistically crafted Howl’s Moving Castle.
Roldan believes that “resourcefulness” gives Filipinos an edge among other cosplayers in the world.
Melinda Lee, senior marketing officer of STGCC, said that they are very excited to meet Roldan and Sumbe, the first ever Filipinos to join the competition.
A whopping 1,000 Singaporean dollars (P35,260) await the grand winner of the STGCC cosplay contest while the first runner-up takes home SG$400 (P14,101). Six consolation prizes amounting to SG$100 (P3,526) will also be given away.
“Besides the prizes, the honor that a win can bring to our country is what really matters. That’s why I and Steph are really working hard for it,” Roldan said.
STGCC is an annual event that combines the best of pop culture from East and West, uniting the worlds of comics, anime, manga, toys, collectibles, games and movies. Last year, STGCC attracted 72,000 visitors, with 97 exhibitors from 10 countries and was covered by 163 international media organizations from 11 countries.
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